SEATTLE - The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the neglect and abuse of a dog found in West Seattle last week (photos available online). The dog showed clear signs of neglect and has been treated for a serious wound from a severely embedded collar.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, the dog pictured was found in the 8600 block of 8th Avenue Southwest. As the dog was extremely frightened, it took 20 minutes of coaxing for a Good Samaritan and Humane Law Enforcement Officer to lure the dog out of hiding. The dog's collar had cut so far into the dog's neck that it was not visible on exam and had to be surgically removed. Animal neglect such as this is animal cruelty and it is a crime.

Details of where the dog has been for the past several weeks are unknown. If you recognize the dog or know where this dog has been, please call Seattle Animal Shelter Manager of Field Services Ann Graves at (206) 386-4288. Please reference case number 14-13914. Any information about the dog's previous whereabouts is vital to solving this case.

“Neglecting an animal to the point that no one loosens a collar that is literally cutting into the flesh of the animal's neck is unconscionable and a clear violation of our state's animal cruelty statutes,” said Dan Paul, Washington State Director for The Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful that this dog is now safe in the good hands of the Seattle Animal Shelter staff, and hopeful that this reward brings forward anyone with information about this heinous act of cruelty.”

First degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.

The Seattle Animal Shelter enforces both SMC 9.25.081 and RCW 16.52.205, which make it illegal to abuse or neglect an animal. If you feel that an animal is being neglected or abused, please contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-7387.